New GE bulb lasts 17 years but costs $50.00

A team of scientist at General Electric (GE) have created a new $50 Light bulb that they say Lasts 17 Years. Lighting accounts for close to 20% of the average home’s electricity bill.

GE says their team “designed the bulb to better direct light downward on the intended surface and all around, not just out the top of a lampshade, as most current LED bulbs are prone to do.”

The bulb only uses 9 watts of electricity to put out 40 watts worth of light and it fits in a standard socket.

The bulbs produce less heat, so you won’t burn your fingers, and they contain no mercury.

Governments have passed measures to prohibit the sale of future incandescent light bulbs. In 2012, 100-watt incandescents can no longer be made, with 75-watt bulbs phasing out in 2013, and 60- and 40-watt bulbs disappearing in 2014.

The GE Energy Smart LED 40-watt light bulb will hit shelves in 2011.